Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that brings the taste of the sea right to your kitchen. It's quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its buttery sauce and zesty lemon notes, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp: The star of the dish, these should be peeled and deveined to save time and ensure a clean taste. Linguine: A perfect pasta choice that holds the sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite pasta. Butter: Provides richness and depth to the sauce. Olive Oil: Combines with butter for a balanced fat base, preventing the butter from burning. Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a bit of spice. Dry White Wine: Deglazes the pan, adding acidity and complexity. Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and complements the shrimp. Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle heat that can be adjusted to your preference. Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors. Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness. Parmesan Cheese: Provides umami and a creamy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh shrimp if possible; it makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
  • If you don't have white wine, chicken broth works as a substitute.
  • Don't skip the lemon juice; it brightens the dish and balances the richness.
  • For a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream towards the end.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A glass of the same white wine used in cooking can complement the meal beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
What's the best white wine for cooking this dish?
A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the wine?
Chicken broth or a bit of water with a splash of apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water. Check your package for the exact timing, but aim for al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. As soon as the butter is melted, toss in the garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it's fragrant but not brown.

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them until they turn pink, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook as they can become rubbery.

Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the alcohol cook off and the flavors meld for a couple of minutes.

Season your dish with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the shrimp are well-coated.

Introduce the cooked linguine back into the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the sauce. This should only take a minute or so.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parsley and Parmesan cheese. Make sure everything is well mixed before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • A delightful combination of garlic, butter, and lemon that enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp.
  • Requires only a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
  • Impressive enough for dinner parties but simple enough for everyday dining.

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces linguine
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
5. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
6. Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce.
7. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese.
8. Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges, if desired.

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